Vitamins
Methylfolate
Also called: L-methylfolate, 5-MTHF, methyltetrahydrofolate
The active form of folate that the body uses directly.
- Why people take it
- People with MTHFR gene variants, depression (as an add-on), pregnancy.
- What the evidence says
- Works as well as folic acid for most people. Some evidence as an add-on to antidepressants.
- How it is usually taken
- Usually 400 mcg to 1 mg a day; higher doses (7.5 to 15 mg) only on a doctor's advice. An alternative to folic acid.
- Be careful
- High doses can hide vitamin B12 deficiency. Ask a doctor before using it for depression.
- Medicines it can interact with
- Can reduce the effect of methotrexate, phenytoin and some other anti-epileptics; can hide B12 deficiency.
Other vitamins
Common questions
What is Methylfolate?
The active form of folate that the body uses directly.
Why do people take Methylfolate?
People with MTHFR gene variants, depression (as an add-on), pregnancy.
Does Methylfolate work?
Works as well as folic acid for most people. Some evidence as an add-on to antidepressants.
How much Methylfolate do people take?
Usually 400 mcg to 1 mg a day; higher doses (7.5 to 15 mg) only on a doctor's advice. An alternative to folic acid.
Is Methylfolate safe?
High doses can hide vitamin B12 deficiency. Ask a doctor before using it for depression.
Does Methylfolate interact with medicines?
Can reduce the effect of methotrexate, phenytoin and some other anti-epileptics; can hide B12 deficiency.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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